Page 218 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

Violet

We walked into Bells’ room and found her exactly where we left her earlier: curled up with one of Adam’s stuffed animals. I’d packed most of his stuff already, knowing she wasn’t ready to go through it all. I got rid of nothing, knowing she would go through it, when she was ready to grieve that part of his life.

“Bells, we have food, sweetie.”

Bells sniffled and sat up, taking the plate of chicken tenders and mac and cheese.

“Thank you,” she answered, barely above a whisper.

We ate in silence, Bells picking at her food and eating very slowly, as if she was forcing the food down. I didn’t like it, but I was well aware of the grieving process, and as long as she ate something, I wasn’t going to push her.

“I have something I want to show you both,” Chris stated into the silence once Bells was no longer eating.

“I don—”

“I know, but I’m asking you to trust me.”

Chris stretched his hand out to Bells, and she looked at it before she looked up at him. She sighed and took his hand, and I saw the relief in Chris’ eyes when she did. Despite all his progress, he still wondered if he really belonged at my side. Having Bells trust him when she’s feeling this low, meant a lot to him.

Chris took my hand in his free one and led us down toward the end of the hall. I was confused, while Bells was tensing beside me.

“Chris, I don—”

“Just wait. Please. Trust me on this.”

He let go of my hand, opened the door and ushered us in. This was the first time I was seeing Bells old room since I spent a week here with Chris after my rescue. It looked the same. Bells refused to donate any items from the room, claiming they were cursed, and she wouldn’t wish her life behind these doors on anyone else.

The days I spent here were dark for me, but I knew this room held even more dark memories for Bells, so I was curious as to why Chris brought us here.

He guided us both to the middle of the room and turned us around to face him. He placed a pair of safety glasses on us, then a dust mask. Even I was confused about what was going on by the end. But, then Chris walked into the closet and came out with two sledgehammers, and I started catching on.

“What are you doing?” Bells finally asked.

“Therapy,” Chris explained, handing her a sledgehammer. “This whole pack house is going to be gone in two days and with it, your chance for closure. This room holds a lot of bad memories for you, Bells. This is your chance to let that go. Fuck it up, Luna.” Chris grinned at her before handing the smaller hammer to me. “Fuck it up, Little Warrior.”

We stood there for a moment without moving a muscle, but Chris wasn’t done. He took out his phone and a few moments later, music began to blast out of it. I recognized the song right away, and thought his plan was brilliant.

“I was 19 in a white dress

When you told me I’m your princess,

So, I played right into your fantasy,”

Bells eyes watered, and she started looking around. I thought she needed some more encouragement, so I lifted the hammer, aiming for the bed.

“Side to side!” Chris blurted, making me roll my eyes, and smile at his overprotectiveness.

“Was your good girl, so I’d sit tight

And if I don’t speak, then we can’t fight”

I swung, side to side, hitting the dresser next to the bed, leaving a giant hole on the side.

“Looked in the mirror, now I can’t believe

I forgot I was a bad bitch, tragic”

I jumped when I heard Bells’ hammer hitting the headboard of the bed, taking one of the bed posts with the swing. I grinned at Chris, who winked at me.

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